Academy Life (17)

At that moment, Ivan voiced his own perspective.

“Even if we don’t get along with those from the Crimson City-State, we can’t just throw around accusations of rebellion lightly. However, if they truly harbor treasonous intent, they would need a powerful backer, and the elves are undoubtedly a formidable force.”

“But they say the people of the Crimson City-State are extremely xenophobic. How likely do you think that possibility really is?”

Seeing that Starlight didn't entirely agree with his line of thinking, Ivan could only offer a wry smile.

“I hope I’m just overthinking it. But looking at it from another angle, there are never absolute friends or enemies in diplomacy. As a member of the royal family, I know this all too well. Moreover, as a massive merchant group with a presence across the continent, it wouldn’t be difficult for Crimson Smoke to establish contact with the elves in secret.”

Starlight wanted to argue, but logic told him that every word Ivan said made sense.

Yet, if the elves and the Crimson City-State had already reached some kind of secret deal, why would they go through the trouble of sending Moen and the other girl on this trip? Wouldn’t that be a complete waste of time and resources?

Noticing the conflict and doubt in Starlight’s eyes, Ivan spoke softly.

“Mr. Starlight, everything we’ve discussed so far is merely speculation. I can’t guarantee anything while the situation remains unclear. In the end, you’ll have to make your own judgment.”

“Aren’t you afraid I’ll tell someone else about this? Do you really trust me that much?” Starlight suddenly looked up, meeting Ivan’s gaze.

Ivan simply shook his head with a smile.

“Though I haven’t known you for long, I believe that a companion for whom Po Kong-Mars would stake his family’s reputation is not that kind of person. Since I’ve shared this information with you, you are free to choose whether or not to share it with them.”

In that moment, Ivan displayed a level of poise far beyond his years, a far cry from the impulsive youth he had seemed before.

Looking at the prince who was only slightly younger than himself, Starlight felt the composure and confidence of a true leader for the first time. He couldn't help but smile.

“I understand. This information is very important to us. I’ll discuss it with Po Kong-Mars and the others as I see fit. Thank you!”

Starlight gave a solemn nod to Ivan and his companion, then turned to leave. Just as he was about to cast his teleportation spell, he looked back at Ivan.

“Since we’re friends, stop using honorifics with me. It feels weird, doesn’t it?”

“No problem. Let’s leave it at that for today! See you, Starlight! And thank you for calling me a friend. I haven't heard that word in a long time.”

Under the watchful eyes of Ivan and his companion, Starlight’s figure gradually vanished into thin air. After a moment, Ivan’s companion narrowed his eyes and spoke in a low voice.

“Your Highness, is this really appropriate? Trusting someone of unknown origins so implicitly...”

Ivan waved a hand dismissively, signaling him to stop, his gaze fixed on the distant castle.

“You must realize... not everyone can earn the favor of the War God family. And judging by the principal’s attitude, Starlight is definitely no ordinary person. Consider this an investment in the future. Besides, if my suspicions are correct... we’re going to need a game-changer like Mr. Starlight...”

...

After parting ways with Ivan, Starlight teleported to the vicinity of the library. He sat under a large tree to ponder the recent developments, pulling Noah from his waist and holding the book before him.

“Noah, do you think the intelligence Ivan gathered is reliable? Could his guess be true?”

“Hmm... theoretically, it should be reliable, as they have no reason to lie to you. However, as for rebellion, I find it somewhat unrealistic. Even if the Crimson City-State has the secret support of the elves, it’s unlikely they could pull it off.”

Noah mused for a moment before speaking thoughtfully.

“Oh? Why is that?”

“You’ll have to ask that Po Kong kid about that. In my memory, as long as the royal family has the support of the War God family, there is absolutely no possibility of them losing! Besides... didn’t the elves used to have a fairly good relationship with humans? It shouldn’t have come to the point of a complete fallout...”

“Sigh... if that’s the case, how am I supposed to explain everything I heard to Moen and the others?”

Starlight felt a wave of distress. If he was too direct, would it damage their relationship?

“Just say what’s on your mind. Given that the current situation in the Crimson City-State is still unclear, even if a war really was about to break out, the few of you wouldn’t be able to make much of a difference anyway. You can rest easy on that front.”

After saying his piece, Noah snapped his pages shut and fell silent. However, his suggestion aligned perfectly with Starlight’s own inclination.

There was indeed no need for him to be secretive about this matter. He personally believed it was unlikely the elves would involve themselves in such things. Furthermore, he hadn't detected even a hint of deception in Moen’s words or actions.

Once he had organized his thoughts, Starlight patted his cheeks firmly to pull himself together, stepped out from the shade of the tree, and headed toward the library.

The moment he stepped inside, he felt strange looks and heard whispers coming from all directions.

This was entirely different from the curious glances he had received while reading before; this was a complex, indefinable atmosphere.

Starlight ignored it and walked straight to his usual corner. Moen was already seated there, flipping through a book.

Sensing his arrival, Moen looked up with a smile and spoke brightly. “You’re here! I heard you went and did something big again without saying a word!”

Hearing her words, Starlight finally understood why he was drawing so much attention. It seemed news of what he had done this morning had already spread like wildfire.

Although the Disciplinary Committee hadn't found any evidence that he was the one who had pummeled those students, he had already been labeled a “savage” by the parties involved. Some were even calling him a disgrace who had defiled the elegance of mages.

As the rumors passed from person to person, they grew increasingly absurd. By the time they reached Moen, the story had evolved into Starlight not only severely injuring his opponents but also violently resisting the law and successfully escaping the Disciplinary Committee’s pursuit.

“I expect if this keeps spreading, I’ll eventually be turned into a monster in human form. I just got into a single fight; does it really warrant this much attention?” Starlight gave a wry smile and pulled over a chair, sitting down next to Moen with a look of utter resignation.

Seeing his expression, Moen couldn't help but giggle behind her hand. “It’s mostly because your opponents are so famous. Those guys from the Crimson City-State are used to being arrogant in the academy. You’ve done what many people only dared to imagine doing.”

“Fine, but I have no desire to be the center of attention. Ultimately, those guys were just unlucky.”